Purifiers That Can Help

Air Purifiers That Can Help You This Spring

Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 at 11:00 am

Did you know that the indoor air quality in your home could actually be worse than the outdoor air quality? This is especially true in spring, when allergens such as dust and pollen are circulated into your home. While sources of air pollution could exist in any area of your home, the good news is that there is an easy, affordable solution. That is, an air purifier.

What Do Air Purifiers Accomplish?

There are many different types of air purifiers, also called air cleaners. As such, there is no single method that they all use to remove minute particles from a home. But the basic premise of an air purifier is that it eliminates airborne particles that are present indoors. These airborne particles include things like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, plant spores, and fungi. Air purifiers can also effectively filter out smoke, low levels of carbon monoxide, pesticides, odors, and more.

What Are the Different Types?

HEPA Air Filters: Your HVAC system comes with a standard air filter, meant to protect the inside components of your unit. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter meets the Department of Energy standard for removing particles from the air.

This type of filter may consist of any material as long as it meets the desired standard. This standard is penetration of less than 0.03% of particles 0.3 micrometers in size or larger. The filter must also allow a specific amount of air to flow through, which varies by the size of the filter.

Ionizing Purifiers: One of the most common types of air purifiers, these use a method called corona discharge to electrify particles, which may then go stick to two charged metal plates within the purifier. At this point the particles can be cleaned off.

UV Air Purifiers: Also referred to as an UV germicidal light system, this type of purifier kills and sterilizes tiny contaminants such as bacteria and mold that may exist within your ductwork. This can be part of an air purifier system or they can be installed within your air handler, so that all the air that moves through your ducts is sterilized.